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Quella Imperial Electric Courier Bicycle : One minute review

The best electric bikes come in many shapes and sizes. Some e-bike manufacturers embrace a brutalist and utilitarian design philosophy, while others try and keep their e-bikes looking as much like traditional push bikes as possible. The Quella Imperial Electric Courier before us today most definitely falls into the second category.

Quella is a British-based bicycle brand with a passion for fixed-gear bikes. It continues Quella's focus on creating stylish, minimalist bicycles. The Imperial is unlike a lot of other e-bikes on the market in that it features a rear hub that contains both the motor and the battery. This leaves the rest of the e-bike to adopt any design Quella decides, rather than being limited by bulky batteries and trailing cables. I loved the bike from my first ride.

Quella Imperial Electric Courier Bicycle: Specifications

Component

Quella Imperial Electric Courier Bicycle

Size range:

51cm, 54cm, 58cm, 61cm

Motor:

Zehus Gen 2 all-in-one rear hub motor

Top speed

15.5mph / 25kmh (UK)

Power:

155Wh (watt-hour) battery unit

Control:

Phone app

E-bike classification:

Pedelec

Speeds:

Single-speed

Brakes:

Radius dual-pivot caliper brakes

Frame material:

4130 chromoly steel, with track geometry

Weight:

15.2 kg / 33.5 lbs

Range:

60 km / 37 miles

Quella Imperial Electric Courier Bicycle: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

• $2,289 USD / £1,699 UK / $3,500 AUD
• Located in the middle of the market
• Fantastic spec for the price

The Quella Imperial sits comfortably in the mid-range of the e-bike market, competing with brands like VOLT and some models from manufacturers like Trek and Cube. These bikes, like the Imperial, offer a balance of features, performance, and price.

Even though the price will put a lot of people off, if you’re not comfortable spending more than this for a higher-spec e-bike, then the Imperial is an incredible offering.

• Value score: 4/5

Quella Imperial Electric Courier Bicycle: Design

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

• Rear hub with integrated motor and battery
• Regenerative braking feature
• Classic aesthetic with a modern twist

One of the most important features of the Quella Imperial e-bike is that the electric motor and the battery are integrated into the rear hub. This creates a beautifully clean and minimalist aesthetic, to the point that many would think it was a standard push bike. As a result, the frame is not cluttered by a battery, which means that the top, down, and seat tubes are free from electronic clutter.

There are, however, two distinct downsides to this type of hub design. The first is that the battery can't be removed, and therefore you need to bring the whole e-bike to mains power. I'm a big fan of removable batteries, as I can separate the battery from the frame and therefore charge it wherever I like. The other downside to this design is that if the battery fails, then you'll need a complete hub replacement or, worse, potentially a whole new bike.

While we're on the subject of the battery, it includes a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) that recharges the battery as you pedal backward. This is similar technology to that used in Formula One engines, and even though I didn't find myself using it very much, it is a clever and simple way to extend the bike's range.

Moving onto the design of the bike itself, Quella has created a modern e-bike that still embraces a classic, minimalist aesthetic. I love the vintage-inspired track frame made from 4130 chromoly steel that continues Quella's heritage style. In particular, it features a unique and eye-catching chrome-plated finish, giving it a polished, premium, luxurious look.

Quella has also inserted aggressive-looking deep-section rims and bullhorn handlebars, and I loved the riding position that this afforded me. The single-speed design won't be for everyone, but I love its simplicity, and the lack of derailleurs, shifters, and multiple sprockets means it's super low maintenance.

• Design Score: 4.5/5

Quella Imperial Electric Courier Bicycle: Performance

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

• Smooth and reliable power assistance
• Perfect for city living
• Effective regenerative braking feature

The Quella Imperial e-bike is far from a powerhouse, but despite this, it’s a very clever, lightweight, and efficient city commuter. Having tested numerous e-bikes, it doesn't get much better than this, especially if you have an aversion to heavy and bulky e-bikes that are hard to manoeuver around.

The assistance comes from a 250W motor and 40Nm of torque, which serves up smooth, subtle, and natural-feeling power delivery. It won't zoom around but rather provides a "helping hand" to make starts easier, maintain speed on flats, and take the sting out of minor inclines. The motor kicks in rapidly after you begin pedaling and is reliable enough to give you the assistance you need when pulling away from standing still.

The rear-hub motor is less efficient than mid-drive alternatives, especially when riding routes with a lot of inclines. This is further compounded by the single-speed design that restricts the rider to only one gear. As a result, the motor has to work much harder, which can lead to rapid battery drain and the risk of overheating. This makes it a less ideal choice for riders who frequently encounter hilly terrain.

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But given this isn't the target market of this e-bike, I don't see a problem with that. I actually really loved the simplicity of the single-speed design that meant I wasn't faffing around with gears all the time. This is an e-bike that you can just jump on and ride, and in all honesty, that's my favorite type of ride.

The regenerative braking, KERS, is one of its best features. In terms of functionality, when you backpedal, the motor acts as a generator, not only slowing the bike down but also recharging the battery. This worked incredibly well and was a serious game changer when I needed to finely manage any remaining battery life.

The Quella Imperial is about simplicity and efficiency, rather than brute force. It provides a seamless, non-intrusive power assist that makes urban cycling a breeze.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Quella Imperial Electric Courier Bicycle: Battery life

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

• Small battery located in the rear hub
• A range of 37 miles (60 km)
• Two to three hours to recharge the battery

The Imperial e-bike has a 155Wh (watt-hour) battery unit that is significantly smaller in capacity compared to many other e-bikes that feature 400Wh batteries or more. The small battery is due to Quella's integration of the battery into the hub. This has the added benefit of reduced weight and minimalist design, but it does have an impact on range.

Quella claims the e-bike has a maximum range of 37 miles (60 km) on a single charge. I always find it near impossible to achieve an e-bike manufacturer's range claims because there are too many varying factors. These include the terrain, wind strength, temperature, and, of course, my weight. I gave it a go, though, and managed to achieve around 75% (just under 30 miles) of the advertised range. That's still not bad.

The limited range, compared to many competitors, can be offset by the fact that this is primarily an urban city bike and that journeys are likely to be much shorter between charging locations. If you're doing those types of rides, then you'll have no issues at all. If you're doing long daily commutes, then you will find that a daily charge is required – but you’ll need an extension cord, or to lug the whole bike over to a mains socket to do so, rather than removing the battery.

The battery takes approximately two to three hours to charge due to the smaller battery size, which is really quite fast for an e-bike.

• Battery life score: 3.5/5

Quella Imperial Electric Courier Bicycle: Scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

A high-spec e-bike that sits in the middle of the market.

4/5

Design

A rear hub with an integrated motor and a seriously classy frame.

4.5/5

Performance

Smooth and reliable power assistance with a cool regenerative braking feature.

4.5/5

Battery Life

A small battery that yields around 37 miles / 60 km of range

3.5/5

Buy it if...

You prefer a classic look to your e-bikes

With an integrated motor and battery in the rear hub, the Quella Imperial looks much like a traditional push bike.

You value smooth power delivery

It doesn’t get much smoother than the Quella Imperial. I found it to be reliable and consistent and couldn’t ask for anything more.

Don't buy it if...

You need a top-range

37 miles (60 km) the Imperial is far from the highest performing in this area.

You want a removable battery

The battery is located in the rear hub and therefore can’t be removed for charging purposes.

Also considerQuella Imperial Electric Courier Bicycle: Also consider

Component

Quella Imperial Electric Courier Bicycle

Brompton Electric G Line

ENGWE MapFour N1 Air

Size range:

51cm, 54cm, 58cm, 61cm

Small, medium, large

Not specified

Motor:

Zehus Gen 2 all-in-one rear hub motor

250W

250W In-Rotor Motor

Top speed

15.5mph / 25kmh (UK)

15.5mph / 25kmh (UK)

15.5mph / 25kmh (UK)

Power:

155Wh (watt-hour) battery unit

345-wh. 4-hour full charge using included 2A charger

360Wh 10Ah high-capacity battery

Control:

Phone app

LCD Display

LCD Display

E-bike classification:

Pedelec

Class 3

Class 3

Speeds:

Single-speed

4-speed + 3-speed (electric assist)

Shimano 7 speed

Brakes:

Radius dual-pivot caliper brakes

Tektro Hydraulic Disc brakes with 140mm Front / 160mm Rear

Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Frame material:

4130 chromoly steel, with track geometry

Steel

Carbon

Weight:

15.2 kg / 33.5 lbs

16.1 kg / 35.5 lbs

15.6kg / 34 lbs

Range:

60 km / 37 miles

30-60km / 20-45 miles

100 Km / 62 miles

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Brompton Electric G Line

A foldable e-bike with off-roading smarts. For anyone who wants the classic Brompton experience with a little bit more comfort.

Read our full Brompton Electric G Line review.

ENGWE MapFour N1 Air

The lightest 100 km range carbon e-bike around. A perfect e-bike solution for commuters.

Read our full ENGWE MapFour N1 Air review.

How I tested the Quella Imperial Electric Courier Bicycle

I had the e-bike in my possession for around one month and used it to carry out a variety of different rides. I focused on shorter rides rather than longer commutes, as I wanted to be fair to the e-bike's core target market.

First reviewed: November 2025

The Imperial Electric Courier Bicycle is fast, responsive, and looks fantastic

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Marshall Heston 60: two-minute review

The Marshall Heston 60 is a small Dolby Atmos soundbar that aims to deliver immersive sound for movies and music alike – something that’s proven to be quite the challenge for a number of rivals in this size-class.

But luckily, the Heston 60 has risen to that challenge. Sure, it may be limited in size, but its performance would suggest otherwise. It nails the basics, with ultra-clear dialogue and a nice variety of sound modes to suit whatever content you’re consuming. But it also gets those tricker elements right too.

For instance, the level of expansiveness on offer makes the Heston 60 one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars in its weight class, I’d argue. It isn’t going to wow you with the incredible width of the Marshall Heston 120 or other larger rivals, but the Heston 60 still creates an impressive sense of height while watching Atmos movies, and the width of the soundstage is strong given the bar’s physical confines.

Like its larger sibling, the Heston 60 is also musically astute. It separates out instruments and positions them beautifully in the Atmos format, and takes a relatively impactful, nuanced approach to stereo.

Something that a lot of smaller soundbars struggle to do, is muster up weighty, hard-hitting low-end output, but the Heston 60 certainly bucks that trend. I was taken aback by the rumble of jet engines and roar of explosions when watching movies, and pumping bass in my favorite tracks.

You won’t get the same room-swallowing bass the Heston 120 serves up, and you may want to add the Marshall Heston 200 or a separate sub for enhanced low end, but for a model of this size, it sure packs a punch.

If you want to adapt the Heston 60’s sound, you can do so via the Marshall app. This opens up a range of features, like EQ adjustment, sound mode alteration, room calibration, and so on. I did encounter a few issues with setup, with a few bugs rearing their head from time to time. But for the most part, the app felt intuitive and easy to use – pretty important, given the omission of a physical remote.

(Image credit: Future)

Something that really makes the Heston 60 stand out is its design. Like the Heston 120, this has a gorgeous, amp-inspired aesthetic with frets and stunning golden details. However, the Marshall logo and control panel are now magnetic, meaning you can optimize the look of this model for wall-mounted use. Parts are also repairable, making this bar worth investing in for the long-haul.

And I don’t use the term ‘invest’ lightly here – this is a pretty pricey option. The Heston 60 comes in at just under $700 / £500 / AU$1,000. In the US, that’s quite a bit more than its clear competitor, the Sonos Beam Gen 2, but you do get DTS:X compatibility, a far more premium look, and a wider range of connectivity options.

It’s worth noting that you could get a strong multi-box soundbar at a similar cost to the Heston 60 – including models that support HDMI passthrough (unlike Marshall’s smaller soundbar).

But if you’re a little tight on space or using a smaller-sized TV, then the Marshall Heston 60 is one of the best soundbars in its class. It delivers on Dolby Atmos and punchy audio, it’s a classy looker, and it's built to last. Combine all of that, and the Heston 60 is easy to recommend.

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Heston 60 review: price & release date

• $699.99 / £499.99 / AU$999
• Launched in September 2025

The Marshall Heston 60 released in September 2025, about three months after the Marshall Heston 120, upon which I bestowed the elusive five star rating. It's a smaller version of its larger sibling, but has a largely similar design and also uses the revamped Marshall app.

You can purchase the Heston 60 in either black or cream, and it costs $699.99 / £499.99 / AU$999. That’s pretty competitive against its main rival, the Sonos Beam Gen 2, which has a list price of $499 / £499 / $799.

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Heston 60 review: specs

Dimensions

28.7 x 4.9 x 2.7 inches / 730 x 124 x 68mm

Speaker channels

5.1

Connections

HDMI eARC, RCA Mono (sub out), USB-C, 3.5mm, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi

Dolby Atmos / DTS:X

Yes / Yes

Sub included

No

Rear speakers included

No

Marshall Heston 60 review: features

• 5.1 speaker configuration with seven active drivers
• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
• App opens up strong set of features

The Marshall Heston 60 has a 5.1 speaker configuration, but is powered by seven active drivers. There are two 25W and five 5W class D amplifiers on board, and the soundbar is capable of a 56W maximum power output.

This is an all-in-one offering from Marshall, you won’t get a subwoofer or rears included from the off. However, you are now able to purchase the Heston Sub 200 – a wireless sub that I tried pairing to the Heston 60, and this can give you some extension below the 45Hz mark – the lowest the soundbar can go.

Even as a one-box option, the Heston 60 aims to create spacious, immersive audio with the inclusion of Dolby Atmos, as well as DTS:X. That latter format is missing on the Sonos Beam Gen 2, making the Heston 60 an attractive option for cinephiles.

On top of that, there are a number of ways to connect up to the Heston 60. Of course, there’s HDMI eARC, which I used for the majority of my testing time. However, you can also connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, as well as USB-C and 3.5mm, plus RCA – which can be used to add a third-party subwoofer.

Unfortunately, there’s no HDMI passthrough here, something that was included on the larger Heston 120. This would be a nice touch for those who want to unlock extra space for an HDMI-reliant device like a PS5 or Nintendo Switch 2, though it is pretty common for smaller models to leave this out.

If you head on over to the Marshall app, you’ll also discover that there’s Auracast compatibility – a type of Bluetooth technology that enables you to tune into an audio broadcast transmitted from a phone, TV or similar device without any pairing.

But there’s more! Marshall has once again integrated a wide range of music services, such as: Google Cast; Spotify Connect; Internet Radio; Tidal Connect; and Apple AirPlay 2. If you’re going to return to Internet Radio or Spotify on the reg, you can set the ‘Prog’ button to a specific service and gain easy access.

Let’s talk a little more about the Marshall app – this is revamped, but separate to the software used for Bluetooth speakers including the Marshall Kilburn III and Marshall Bromley 750. It supplies a five-band equalizer, AV sync to adjust audio delays, and Room correction, which cycles through an array of sounds to optimize performance for your listening space. It also lets you change between the Movie, Music, Voice, and Night modes – all of which are very well differentiated.

I’ll speak more about my experience with the app in the ‘Setup & usability’ section, but I will say that it was a little buggy. When it got into gear, I was very pleased with the options on offer, though.

As we saw with the Heston 120, there’s no physical remote control lumped in the box – you’re going to be using the app only. The app lets you adjust volume, manually switch between different sound modes or sources, and view whether Atmos or DTS:X are in-use or not. If you’re connected to the soundbar via HDMI eARC, you can also use your standard remote to ramp up or dampen volume too.

• Features score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Heston 60 review: performance

• Fantastic vocal clarity
• Impressive bass for a small soundbar
• Fairly expansive too

The Marshall Heston 60 performs pretty admirably for such a small soundbar. Of course, there are a few limitations due to its small size and moderate maximum power output of 56W. Still, the power the Heston 60 does have is used to great effect.

Let’s start by talking about dialogue quality, an area I always expect significant improvement over plain TV audio. And I was very impressed by the clarity and definition of vocals in the mix while using the Heston 60. While watching a 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Top Gun: Maverick, I was struck by the separation of voices in a large open space, as well as the natural replication of echo and breathy details.

Even when layered with a grand score and booming sound effects, voices remained clear-cut throughout the movie’s runtime, making for a great viewing experience.

Another area the Heston 60 held its own, was in the bass department. For such a lil’ guy, this soundbar can produce pretty imposing low-end sound. Sticking with Top Gun: Maverick, and the roar of jet engines firing up was both impactful and attention-grabbing.

Sure, it wasn’t that room-swallowing bass that the Heston 120 offers, and when I paired up the Heston Sub 200, rumble was considerably enhanced. But for its size, the Heston 60 performs pretty well in the bass department. For instance, when watching The Batman, an explosion during a chase scene erupted with intent, despite the soundbar’s confined physical form.

I was really hoping the Heston 60 would deliver on the Dolby Atmos front, especially as a lot of small models either struggle here or skip on it entirely. Luckily, Marshall has done a good job here once more, and the soundbar whipped up a very solid spatial impression.

With The Batman, I flicked to a scene with bats flying towards me, and the sense that they soared over my shoulder was captured with commendable accuracy. Back to Maverick, and the classic scene of the jet flying overhead came through effectively, and provided more vertical extension than you’d expect from such a compact product.

In The Boy and the Heron on Netflix Premium, the Atmos effects were pretty convincing too, with the flight of the Heron mapped fairly well. The Heston 60 didn’t have the pinpoint accuracy of its larger sibling – but I was still well immersed in the on-screen action.

Let’s also take a moment to speak about music – something that Marshall’s audio engineers paid close attention to on the Heston 120. Performance is very good in this area, again, and I enjoyed a range of my favorite tracks in both the Dolby Atmos and standard stereo format.

Let’s start with Atmos, and although I don’t always love these mixes, a few tracks impressed me on the Heston 60. For instance, in Song for my Father by Horace Silver, I was satisfied with the positioning and separation of various instruments, with percussion playing rhythmically on the right side, while keys panned across the left side of the bar.

In I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby by Barry White, I enjoyed deft keys and well-balanced percussion, as smooth vocals oozed from the center. Guitars weren’t as prominent in the mix as I’d like, and didn’t have the expansive quality I experienced with the 120. Bass was perhaps a touch overeager too, though luckily EQ options can be accessed in the app to tailor audio to your taste.

Moving over to the stereo format, I was instantly hit by pumping bass in Never Would by M-High, although lighter electronic elements were a touch overshadowed. The soundbar produced controlled audio, however, even at higher volumes. On tracks where sub-bass came into the equation, those ultra-low notes didn’t come through with all too much force. Of course, if you pair the soundbar with the Heston Sub 200, you’ll get the low-end extension required for that, but the soundbar still sounded strong overall.

• Sound quality score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Heston 60 review: design

• Gorgeous fret-infused aesthetic
• Simple yet effective button controls
• Magnetic features for wall mounting

If you read my Marshall Heston 120 review, it won’t surprise you to find that I love the look of this soundbar too. The Heston 60 is, in essence, the same as its sibling, just smaller. I’m a huge fan of the amp-inspired look and eye-catching golden details, and it's nice to see the option to grab this in cream – a nice break from the homogeneous swathe of plain black competitors.

One key difference on the Heston 60, though, is that the tactile control knobs from the Heston 120 have been ditched. This time around, there are simple button controls. These are easy to use and effective, and although they’re not as satisfying to use as the Heston 120’s physical controls, they're less prone to catching reflections from the TV.

Another is the inclusion of a magnetic Marshall logo and control panel. This enables you to optimize the look of the soundbar for a wall-mounted configuration,which is highly practical and considered. Wall mount grommets are also included in the box, which I was glad to see, as rivals will often sell these separately.

Unlike its larger cousin, the Heston 60 is a lightweight, highly compact option. It’s just 28.7 inches / 730mm wide and 6.1lbs / 2.8kg in weight, making it easy to install and slot beneath smaller-sized TVs. All in all, it's an ideal pick for those working with limited space, or if you’re not looking for a full-length behemoth.

One more thing – I also liked the inclusion of a panel on the reverse side, which protects the various ports and enables improved cable management. It’s an all-round great effort from Marshall, and I’ve never tried a small soundbar with so much style and care injected into its design.

• Design score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Heston 60 review: setup & usability

• Plug and play setup
• Companion app could be improved
• Wide variety of connectivity options

The initial part of the setup process here was as easy as it comes. I simply plugged the Heston 60 into the power, and connected an HDMI lead from the soundbar to a TV. Using the HDMI eARC connectivity option, you’ll be able to use your standard TV remote to alter the soundbar’s volume, which is very convenient.

Unfortunately, I did experience a few issues when pairing the soundbar to the Marshall app, though. I wasn’t getting a pairing request on my phone, and neither the wireless or Bluetooth methods functioned at first. After trying again the following day, these woes were resolved, and I was able to proceed with room correction, play around with EQ options and more, but I did encounter a few other small bugs and loading issues with the app.

For the majority of my testing time, everything worked just fine, thankfully. And when the app behaves itself, it’s a fantastic tool, filled with plenty of personalization settings, and integrated services.

This soundbar has a range of connectivity options too, and it's very easy to stream songs over Wi-Fi, connect to a phone over Bluetooth, or hook up devices using RCA or an analogue method.

• Setup & usability score: 3.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Heston 60 review: value

• Priced competitively against Sonos – albeit less so for US buyers
• Though you can still get a great multi-box option at a similar cost
• Repairability ensures long-term return on investment

I suspect that the sticking point a lot of people will have with the Marshall Heston 60 is its price, which – for a small model like this – is undoubtedly high. It comes in at $699.99 / £499.99 / AU$999, so US buyers are proportionally splashing out a fair bit more, although I still think there’s plenty of value here.

Firstly, this soundbar is priced competitively against the Sonos Beam Gen 2 – the Heston 60’s clear and obvious competition. The Beam Gen 2 comes in with a list price of $499 / £499 / $799, and although it has a higher peak power output, it doesn’t support DTS:X, Bluetooth connectivity, plus we felt that the height of its Atmos effects were lacking.

Meanwhile, the Heston 60 still has plenty of power and effective Dolby Atmos effects, but it also supports DTS:X and Bluetooth. In my view, it also has a more premium design, and many will appreciate its RCA sub out port.

Marshall’s ramped-up sustainability efforts are also being demonstrated with the Heston 60, which is largely repairable. Head over to the manufacturer’s site, and you can access repair services and get spare parts, including frets, end-caps, and drivers. This gives additional longevity to the soundbar, which will make your investment more worthwhile in the long run.

Despite all of this, it’s still worth pointing to the fact that the $700 / £500 / AU$1,000 you spend on the Heston 60 could equally be spent on a very capable multi-box option. In the US and Australia, the same sum of money can net you the Samsung HW-QS700F, which comes with a full length bar, as well as a dual-driver sub.

If we’re talking about soundbars in this weight class, though, few can compete with the Heston 60. Its surprisingly good Atmos performance, imposing bass, and ultra-clear dialogue make it a real standout. Pair that with a pretty exterior and admirable repairability, and I’d still argue it's a good value pick.

• Value score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Marshall Heston 60?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Atmos and DTS:X, feature-rich companion app, good connectivity options but no HDMI passthrough.

4.5/5

Sound quality

Clear dialogue, larger bass than you’d expect, fairly expansive Atmos effects.

4.5/5

Design

Beautiful appearance, effective controls, compact build.

5/5

Setup & usability

Easy to install, app is feature-rich but has a few bugs.

3.5/5

Value

It’s undoubtedly pricey, but still competitive against the Beam Gen 2 and feels worth the investment long-term.

4/5

Buy it if…

You want great performance but you’re tight on space
If you’ve got a smaller TV or you’re tight on space, you don’t have to sacrifice on quality. And the Heston 60 proves that. It offers surprisingly immersive Dolby Atmos effects, impactful bass, and ultra-clear dialogue in a single, highly compact model.

You want your soundbar to be a statement piece
Sure, the Heston 60 sounds good, but it looks even better! This thing is just as much a statement piece as it is a soundbar, boasting a gorgeous amp-inspired design and golden details. The magnetic logo and control panel also ensure it looks top-class while wall mounted too.

Don’t buy it if…

You want the true surround sound experience
So, if you’re looking for an enveloping surround sound experience, the Heston 60 might not quite do it for you. Sure, it does well with Atmos for movies and music alike, but there’s no sub or rear speakers for that true wraparound sound. If that’s what you’re after, I’d highly recommend the Samsung HW-Q990F.

You’re expecting thunderous power
Similarly, the Heston 60’s physical restrictions mean that it can’t quite blast out the roaring power some may well crave. I’d suggest grabbing an option that pairs a sub, or maybe even spending a bit more to get the Heston Sub 200.

Marshall Heston 60 review: also consider

Marshall Heston 60

Sonos Beam Gen 2

Samsung HW-QS700F

Price

$699.99 / £499.99 / AU$999

$449 / £449 / $699

$699.99 / £749 / AU$999

Dimensions

28.7 x 4.9 x 2.7 inches / 730 x 124 x 68mm

25.6 x 2.7 x 3.9 inches / 651 x 68 x 100mm

Main soundbar: 43.7 x 2.4 x 4.7 inches / 1110.7 x 60.4 x 120mm; subwoofer: 8.3 x 15.9 x 15.9 inches / 210 x 403 x 403mm

Speaker channels

5.1

5.0

5.1.2

Connections

HDMI eARC, RCA Mono (sub out), USB-C, 3.5mm, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi

HDMI eARC, Ethernet, Wi-Fi

HDMI eARC, HDMI input, digital optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2

Dolby Atmos / DTS:X

Yes / Yes

Yes / No

Yes / Yes

Sub included

No

No

Yes

Rear speakers included

No

No

No

Sonos Beam Gen 2
It’s four years old now, but the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is still a great option for anyone seeking out cinematic audio in a condensed package. With decent Dolby Atmos effects, a surprisingly wide soundstage, and a classy build, it’s still easy to recommend.

Read our full Sonos Beam Gen 2 review.

Samsung HW-QS700F
Looking for a little more power? Then the Samsung HW-QS700F is a top choice. In the US and Australia, you can get this for the same as the Heston 60, even though it adds a dual-driver sub and the bar itself is full-sized. I’d also recommend checking for the Samsung HW-Q800D if you can find it on sale, although I omitted it due to low stock in a lot of territories. Read our full Samsung HW-QS700F review.

How I tested the Marshall Heston 60

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested across a week-long period
• Used in our TV testing space at Future Labs
• Sometimes tried in conjunction with Marshall Heston 200 sub

During my time testing the Marshall Heston 60, I had it connected to the TCL C6K mini-LED TV via HDMI eARC.

In my time with the Heston 60, the soundbar was placed beneath the display at our TV testing space at Future Labs. I watched – and indeed listened – to a variety of content during an intensive testing period. This included a number of movies on both Netflix Premium and on 4K UHD Blu-Ray via the Panasonic DP-UB820. I also listened to music via Tidal Connect in both Dolby Atmos and stereo formats.

I also made extensive use of each listening mode: Movie; Music; Voice; and Night. Of course, I also exhausted the soundbar’s additional settings through the Marshall app, ensuring each feature functioned as advertised.

More generally, I've tested tons of soundbars here at TechRadar – everything from ultra-cheap options like the Hisense HS214 through to pricier models like the Samsung HW-Q800D. I also reviewed the Marshall Heston 120, which released earlier this year, and have interviewed audio engineers at Marshall on its home cinema tech, so have a strong understanding of the product.

• First reviewed: November 2025
• Read more about how we test

The Marshall Heston 60 is a great small soundbar, thanks to its effective Dolby Atmos effects, exquisite dialogue clarity, and surprisingly impactful bass output.

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